A Conversation With Local Artist Angélique Glennon

Posted Jul. 20, 2012, 1:31 am

Kathy Leonardo / Mirror Contributor

As I rushed into a Santa Monica cafe, I noticed an attractive woman, dressed in a long stylish dress, her head buried in her work. “Angélique?” I asked. She responded warmly with a lilting French accent.

I was excited to have the chance to sit down with Santa Monica artist Angélique Glennon and find out more about her upcoming art exhibition New Art, New Wor(l)d opening this Friday, June 20 at the Electric Lodge in Venice.

Originally from France, Glennon has lived in Santa Monica since 2003.

An eclectic background spanning from law to languages to bodybuilding, Glennon now has her own business (Speak It Like A Native) and is an artist.

Creating paintings, assemblages, as well as wearable and frameable jewelry sculptures called EcCeptical, Glennon will be showcasing an eclectic body of work at today’s event.

We dive right into the interview.

When did you first start painting?

Glennon: In 1986, I walked into a painting class and said my fingers feel like they were extended by brushes. I need to paint!

It appears that you go back and forth between mediums, do you have a favorite?

Glennon: I do it all, taking turn. Yes, EcCeptical, then oil painting. Do you find people respond more to one type of work?

Which would that be?

Glennon: They love EcCeptical.

Can you explain how your glass assemblages came about?

Glennon: Well, I’ve the tendency to break glassware. One day, I broke the top of a gorgeous glass. I decided to recycle it into a sculpture.

Tell me about the opening reception, what can we, the public, expect?

Glennon: The event starts at 7:30 p.m. I will talk at 8:30 p.m. I will explain the evolution of the work. What inspires me… first impressions, life incidents and the materials themselves. My friend Lynsey Foro will be at the projector (projecting some EcCeptical videos). Lynsey shot ALL EcCeptical videos and was a novice. Angela Eren, will perform three songs.

The Electric Lodge is located at 1416 Electric Ave. (one block east of Abbot Kinney Blvd.) in Venice.

The opening reception will run from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The Electric Lodge is a solar powered, artistic haven for the creative collective and environmentalists. It was founded in 1940 and continues to support the arts while bringing awareness to a sustainable worldwide eco-system.

A portion of proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the Electric Lodge. Collectible Bottles and EcCeptical will be available for purchase only on July 20, opening day. The paintings will remain on display through Sunday, August 26. For more information on Glennon, visit www.angeliqueglennon.com or www.electriclodge.org.